Work Experience Snapshot
What Is a School Psychologist?
School psychologists identify, diagnose and treat students with learning disabilities, mental disorders and other behavioral, cognitive or emotional problems. They also develop plans for addressing these issues and refer students to other mental health resources when necessary.
Their job duties are varied. These mental health professionals might help students manage stress, such as high school seniors applying to colleges. They might role-play with students on the autism spectrum. Or, they might counsel and refer a student who has expressed suicidal thoughts. They also might discuss a student’s anxiety and depression issues with a concerned parent or guardian. And these professionals must handle a copious amount of documentation and paperwork.
Pamela Agan-Smith, a school psychologist who has worked with students in the Greenville Central School District in Greenville, New York, for more than 30 years, says the biggest issues facing her students these days involve mental health. "Public school students face a pretty stressful environment," she notes. For some students, this stress morphs into anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, and the school psychologist is the point person to address these concerns.
A heightened awareness of mental health’s connection to learning and the rising need of mental health services in schools are driving the demand for more school psychologists. However, this demand is tempered by state and local funding for schools, which is inadequate in some cases.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 1.3% employment growth for school psychologists between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 800 jobs should open up.
How Much Does a School Psychologist Make?
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, aspiring school psychologists will need to complete a graduate degree program in school psychology, and may choose to go on for a doctorate after that. Most of the programs in the U.S. require their students to complete academic coursework, supervised fieldwork and an internship in order to graduate.
After graduating, school psychologists will need to obtain a license in the state where they hope to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state. National certification, which is optional, but nonetheless demonstrates a high level of expertise, is offered through the National Association of School Psychologists.